The 2016 Stevenson women’s lacrosse team has faced many challenges, but with conference play ahead, the team hopes to turn things around.

Coming off championship appearances in the past two years, the Mustangs have expectations for the 2016 season. The team currently has an overall record of 3-7, and is 1-0 in conference. Despite facing challenges opponents early in the season, the women’s lacrosse program hopes to benefit from the hardships in the long run with only conference matches ahead.

Junior midfielder Olivia Monteiro is one of the Mustangs’ leaders on the field and remains confident the season is heading in the right direction.

“We start off almost every year with that kind of schedule, and this year has been the hardest. We’re probably the most skilled team I’ve played with yet in my three years, and we have the most potential to beat those teams when we meet them in the NCAA [tournament],” she said, adding that the team is hoping to carry the momentum through conference play.

When it comes to team chemistry, the Mustangs are in a very good place as well. “The team this year is the closest we’ve been in three years. The chemistry helps; both the defense and offense are close on and off the field which really helps our play,” said Monteiro.

The Mustangs have some challenging games coming up; the team has set goals and plans to remember the importance of each game.

“Arcadia and Lycoming are going to be pretty big games, but Messiah College will be our biggest game this season. We’ve met them in the MAC championship the past two years, and we’re hoping to win this year,” said Monteiro. Messiah has a strong team this year and is currently 5-4, 1-0 in conference.

The challenging schedule the Mustangs have faced could prove to be a big factor when it comes to being ready for teams like Messiah. With the combination of talent and chemistry that the Mustangs have, the team remains hopeful that a run at the conference championship is possible.